Dutch striker Luuk de Jong retires from international football | OneFootball

Netherlands striker Luuk de Jong confirmed his retirement from international football on Friday.

The 32-year-old’s decision comes after reaching the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, with club football now becoming his main focus.

“It has always been an honour for me to be part of the Dutch national team,” said De Jong.

“But, for me, now feels like the right time to make this decision, because the Netherlands will start a new qualifying series for the European Championships this month. In the coming years, I want to fully focus on PSV.”

National team manager Ronald Koeman admitted the striker’s decision was a shock.

“I was somewhat surprised when Luuk called me yesterday, but I understand his explanation that he wants to concentrate 100 percent on PSV. We will miss him on and off the field,” he said.

While representing the Oranje, De Jong made 39 appearances over 12 years and scored eight goals, all of which came in competition qualifiers or international friendlies.

He was one of the players to take and convert a penalty kick against Argentina in Qatar before falling 4-3.